CORE is built around meat-first recipes. A named meat or fish leads all 44 kibbles, with chicken in 26 and turkey in 24. Kibble protein runs from 21% to 38% as fed and averages 32.6%, above the catalog kibble average of 26.9%, while the 32.4% estimated starch average sits below the catalog's 37.4%.
Of the 44 kibbles, 25 are grain free and 28 contain peas or lentils; the Wholesome Grains, RawRev, CORE+ and Digestive Health kibbles use oatmeal, barley or brown rice. The 15 wet foods average 10.2% protein against a catalog wet average of 8.3%, and 13 are grain free. The 17 toppers range from a fruit mix at 2% protein to a turkey-only topper at 60%.
The trade-off is uneven figures across sub-lines. The Simple Limited Ingredient kibbles sit at 21% to 29% protein and 37% to 47.3% starch, well off the line average. Toppers average 27.6% starch against a topper catalog average of 11.1%. Owners who avoid legumes will find peas, lentils or chickpeas in the first five ingredients of every grain-free kibble.
| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Starch | Kcal / cup | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RawRev Wholesome Grains Puppy Food Formula + 100% Raw Turkey | 38% | 17.5% | 24.5% | 438 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal |
| Small Breed Puppy Grain-Free | 38% | 18% | 23.5% | 510 | Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas |
| RawRev Wholesome Grains Small Breed + 100% Raw Turkey | 37% | 15% | 28% | 457 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Grain Free Small Breed Healthy Weight Turkey Recipe Dog | 36% | 11% | 29.5% | 435 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free | 36% | 15% | 28% | 409 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Wholesome Grains Puppy | 36% | 17% | 27% | 457 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal |
| Wholesome Grains Original Small Breed | 36% | 15% | 29% | 475 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Small Breed Original Grain-Free | 36% | 15% | 28% | 409 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Puppy Grain-Free | 36% | 16% | 26.5% | 491 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal |
| Wholesome Grains Original | 35% | 16% | 28.5% | 422 | Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Oatmeal |
| Six Small Breed Sustainably-Sourced Salmon | 35% | 16% | 27% | 485 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas |
| RawRev Wholesome Grains Ocean + 100% Raw Fish | 35% | 15% | 29.8% | 393 | Whitefish, Herring Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Oatmeal |
| RawRev Wholesome Grains Original + 100% Raw Turkey | 35% | 16% | 28.5% | 403 | Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Oatmeal |
| Ocean Grain-Free | 35% | 14% | 29% | 414 | Whitefish, Herring Meal, Whitefish Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Original Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free | 34% | 15% | 30.5% | -- | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Grain Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon | 34% | 14% | 30% | 422 | Whitefish, Herring Meal, Whitefish Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Ocean Whitefish & Herring Recipe | 34% | 15% | 30.8% | 422 | Whitefish, Herring Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Oatmeal |
| Grain Free Wild Game Duck, Turkey, Boar, Rabbit | 34% | 15% | 29% | 389 | Duck, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Wholesome Grains Ocean | 34% | 15% | 30.8% | 392 | Whitefish, Herring Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Oatmeal |
| Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free | 34% | 13% | 32% | 387 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas |
| Large Breed Grain-Free | 34% | 12% | 32% | 342 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal |
| Small Breed Healthy Weight Grain-Free | 34% | 13% | 28.5% | 418 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Reduced Fat Grain-Free | 34% | 10% | 32% | 366 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Wild Game Grain-Free | 34% | 15% | 29% | 389 | Duck, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Original Grain-Free | 34% | 15% | 30.5% | 417 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Core+ Beef & Barley Recipe | 33% | 16% | 31% | 398 | Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal |
| CORE+ Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe | 33% | 13% | 33% | 376 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Six Sustainably-Sourced Salmon Grain-Free | 33% | 15% | 30% | 454 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas |
| Six Cage-Free Duck Grain-Free | 33% | 15% | 29% | 412 | Duck, Duck Meal, Peas |
| Lamb Grain-Free | 33% | 15% | 30% | 391 | Lamb, Lamb Meal, Pea Protein |
| Digestive Health Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice | 33% | 14% | 33% | 424 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Six Free-Range Lamb Grain-Free | 32% | 15% | 30% | 439 | Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas |
| Senior Grain-Free | 32% | 12% | 35% | 375 | Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils |
| Digestive Health Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice | 30% | 12% | 38% | -- | Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| CORE+ Wholesome Grains Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon & Rice | 30% | 10% | 40% | 339 | Salmon, Herring Meal, Rice |
| Digestive Health Whitefish & Brown Rice | 30% | 12% | 38% | 394 | Whitefish, Whitefish Meal (source of Glucosamine), Herring Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate) |
| Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice | 30% | 12% | 38% | 395 | Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine) |
| Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Small Breed | 29% | 13% | 37% | 450 | Salmon, Salmon Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Dried Ground Potatoes |
| Digestive Health Age Advantage Chicken Brown Rice | 27% | 10% | 43.5% | -- | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Brown Rice |
| Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Healthy Weight | 26% | 8% | 44% | 394 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes |
| Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe | 26% | 11% | 42% | 438 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Dried Ground Potatoes |
| Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe | 25% | 12% | 41% | 446 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes |
| Simple Limited Ingredient Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe | 21% | 12% | 46% | 415 | Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oatmeal |
| Simple Limited Ingredient Duck & Oatmeal Recipe | 21% | 11% | 47.3% | 453 | Duck, Oatmeal, Peas |
| Line average | 32.6% | 13.8% | 32.4% | 418 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Starch is our estimate, since no bag prints it. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
38% protein · 17.5% fat · 24.5% starch · 438 kcal/cup · Puppy
A grain-inclusive puppy kibble at 38% protein and 17.5% fat, tying for the most protein among CORE kibbles, with chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal before oatmeal and barley. Its 24.5% estimated starch and 438 kcal per cup suit puppies whose owners want grains rather than legumes.
Full review of RawRev Wholesome Grains Puppy Food Formula + 100% Raw Turkey38% protein · 18% fat · 23.5% starch · 510 kcal/cup · Puppy
This small breed puppy kibble has the most fat, the most calories and the least estimated starch among CORE kibbles, at 18% fat, 510 kcal per cup and 23.5% starch. Salmon meal joins turkey and chicken meal, suiting owners of small breed puppies wanting a dense grain-free kibble.
Full review of Small Breed Puppy Grain-Free37% protein · 15% fat · 28% starch · 457 kcal/cup · Adult
This small breed RawRev kibble lists 37% protein, the most of the line's grain-inclusive adult kibbles, with turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal before oatmeal and barley. At 457 kcal per cup it suits small adults whose owners want grains plus the raw turkey its name advertises.
Full review of RawRev Wholesome Grains Small Breed + 100% Raw Turkey36% protein · 11% fat · 29.5% starch · 435 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for healthy weight, this small breed kibble lists 36% protein, 11% fat and 7.5% fiber, with peas and lentils after turkey and chicken meal. At 435 kcal per cup it is denser than Small Breed Healthy Weight Grain-Free at 418, and suits small adults on a grain-free diet.
Full review of Grain Free Small Breed Healthy Weight Turkey Recipe Dog36% protein · 15% fat · 28% starch · 409 kcal/cup · Adult
Dried ground potatoes and lentils follow turkey and chicken meal in this small breed kibble, at 36% protein, 15% fat and 28% estimated starch with 409 kcal per cup. Its figures and first ingredients match the Small Breed Original Grain-Free listing, and it suits small adults on a grain-free diet.
Full review of Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free36% protein · 17% fat · 27% starch · 457 kcal/cup · Puppy
A grain-inclusive puppy kibble with deboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal before oatmeal and barley, at 36% protein, 17% fat and 457 kcal per cup. It is listed as discontinued, and RawRev Wholesome Grains Puppy shares its first five ingredients for owners looking for a replacement.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Wholesome Grains Puppy36% protein · 15% fat · 29% starch · 475 kcal/cup · Adult
This grain-inclusive small breed kibble pairs deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal with barley and oatmeal, at 36% protein and 29% estimated starch. At 475 kcal per cup it is the densest grain-inclusive adult kibble in the line, but it is listed as discontinued.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Wholesome Grains Original Small Breed36% protein · 15% fat · 28% starch · 409 kcal/cup · Adult
This small breed adult kibble shows the same label figures as the Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe listing: 36% protein, 28% estimated starch and 409 kcal per cup. It is tagged for all breeds as well as small breeds, and lists dried ground potatoes and lentils but no peas in its first five ingredients.
Full review of Small Breed Original Grain-Free36% protein · 16% fat · 26.5% starch · 491 kcal/cup · Puppy
This grain-free puppy kibble for all breeds uses deboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal with potatoes and lentils, at 36% protein and 16% fat. At 491 kcal per cup and 26.5% estimated starch, it suits puppies whose owners want grain-free food without a breed size tag.
Full review of Puppy Grain-Free35% protein · 16% fat · 28.5% starch · 422 kcal/cup · Adult
Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, turkey meal and barley lead this grain-inclusive adult kibble, at 35% protein, 16% fat and 28.5% estimated starch. At 422 kcal per cup it is the grain-inclusive alternative to Original Grain-Free, suiting adults whose owners prefer oats and barley to lentils.
Full review of Wholesome Grains Original35% protein · 16% fat · 27% starch · 485 kcal/cup · Adult
The one Six recipe not listed as discontinued, this small breed kibble pairs salmon and salmon meal with chickpeas, peas and pea protein. It lists 35% protein, 16% fat and 485 kcal per cup, and suits small adults fed fish with no potato.
Full review of Six Small Breed Sustainably-Sourced Salmon35% protein · 15% fat · 29.8% starch · 393 kcal/cup · Adult
The RawRev version of the grain-inclusive ocean kibble, with whitefish and herring meal before oatmeal and barley, lists 35% protein and 29.8% estimated starch at 393 kcal per cup. It suits owners drawn to the fish and grain base plus the raw fish its name advertises.
Full review of RawRev Wholesome Grains Ocean + 100% Raw Fish35% protein · 16% fat · 28.5% starch · 403 kcal/cup · Adult
The RawRev take on Wholesome Grains Original, with the same first five ingredients and the same 35% protein and 28.5% estimated starch. It lists 403 kcal per cup against 422 for Wholesome Grains Original, and suits adults whose owners want the raw turkey its name advertises.
Full review of RawRev Wholesome Grains Original + 100% Raw Turkey35% protein · 14% fat · 29% starch · 414 kcal/cup · Adult
Whitefish, herring meal and whitefish meal lead this grain-free kibble, with peas and lentils next, at 35% protein, 14% fat and 29% estimated starch. At 414 kcal per cup it lists slightly more protein than Grain Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon, which shares its first five ingredients.
Full review of Ocean Grain-Free34% protein · 15% fat · 30.5% starch · Adult
Deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal lead, followed by lentils and dried yeast, at 34% protein, 15% fat and 30.5% estimated starch. This listing matches Original Grain-Free but gives no calorie figure, so owners who track calories may prefer that listing, which shows 417 kcal per cup.
Full review of Original Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free34% protein · 14% fat · 30% starch · 422 kcal/cup · Adult
A grain-free fish kibble with whitefish, herring meal and whitefish meal ahead of peas and lentils, at 34% protein, 14% fat and 6% fiber. It shares 422 kcal per cup with the grain-inclusive Ocean Whitefish & Herring Recipe, giving fish-fed adults a legume-based version.
Full review of Grain Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon34% protein · 15% fat · 30.8% starch · 422 kcal/cup · Adult
This grain-inclusive fish kibble puts oatmeal and barley right after whitefish and herring meal, at 34% protein and 30.8% estimated starch. It lists 422 kcal per cup, more than the otherwise matching Wholesome Grains Ocean at 392, and suits fish-fed adults whose owners prefer grains to legumes.
Full review of Ocean Whitefish & Herring Recipe34% protein · 15% fat · 29% starch · 389 kcal/cup · Adult
Duck leads, followed by lamb meal, chicken meal, peas and chickpeas, and the label counts duck, lamb, chicken, pork and rabbit as animal proteins. It matches the Wild Game Grain-Free listing at 34% protein and 389 kcal per cup, and suits owners wanting meats beyond chicken and turkey.
Full review of Grain Free Wild Game Duck, Turkey, Boar, Rabbit34% protein · 15% fat · 30.8% starch · 392 kcal/cup · Adult
Whitefish, herring meal, oatmeal, barley and whitefish meal lead this grain-inclusive kibble, at 34% protein and 30.8% estimated starch. It is listed at 392 kcal per cup, below the Ocean Whitefish & Herring Recipe at 422 despite matching nutrient figures, and suits adults fed fish and grains.
Full review of Wholesome Grains Ocean34% protein · 13% fat · 32% starch · 387 kcal/cup · Puppy
Made for large breed puppies, this grain-free kibble puts peas ahead of turkey meal and lentils, at 34% protein and 32% estimated starch. At 387 kcal per cup it is less dense than Puppy Grain-Free at 491, suiting owners of large breed puppies.
Full review of Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free34% protein · 12% fat · 32% starch · 342 kcal/cup · Adult
This grain-free adult kibble for large breeds lists 34% protein, 12% fat and 6% fiber, with lentils and peas after chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal. At 342 kcal per cup it is among the lightest CORE kibbles and suits large adults on a grain-free diet.
Full review of Large Breed Grain-Free34% protein · 13% fat · 28.5% starch · 418 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for healthy weight in small breeds, this kibble lists 8.5% fiber, the most of any CORE kibble, with 34% protein and 418 kcal per cup. It suits owners wanting more fiber than the Grain Free Small Breed Healthy Weight Turkey recipe, which lists 7.5%.
Full review of Small Breed Healthy Weight Grain-Free34% protein · 10% fat · 32% starch · 366 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold as reduced fat, this turkey and chicken kibble lists 10% fat, 8% fiber and 34% protein. At 3300 kcal per kg it is the least energy-dense CORE kibble by weight, and suits adults whose owners want fewer calories on a grain-free base.
Full review of Reduced Fat Grain-Free34% protein · 15% fat · 29% starch · 389 kcal/cup · Adult
This is the second listing of the duck-led wild game kibble, with figures matching Grain Free Wild Game Duck, Turkey, Boar, Rabbit: 34% protein, 15% fat and 389 kcal per cup. Peas and chickpeas follow duck, lamb meal and chicken meal, and it contains no potato.
Full review of Wild Game Grain-Free34% protein · 15% fat · 30.5% starch · 417 kcal/cup · Adult
This is the grain-free adult recipe with no breed or purpose tag, with deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal ahead of lentils and dried yeast. It lists 34% protein, 30.5% estimated starch and 417 kcal per cup, suiting adults in homes not avoiding legumes.
Full review of Original Grain-Free33% protein · 16% fat · 31% starch · 398 kcal/cup · Adult
The only CORE kibble with beef, it puts deboned beef ahead of chicken and turkey meal, then brown rice and oatmeal. It lists 33% protein, 16% fat and 31% estimated starch at 398 kcal per cup, and suits adults on a grain-inclusive diet whose owners want beef.
Full review of Core+ Beef & Barley Recipe33% protein · 13% fat · 33% starch · 376 kcal/cup · Adult
A grain-inclusive large breed kibble with barley and brown rice after chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal, at 33% protein and 33% estimated starch. At 376 kcal per cup it carries more protein and less starch than Digestive Health Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice, suiting large adults fed grains.
Full review of CORE+ Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe33% protein · 15% fat · 30% starch · 454 kcal/cup · Adult
A grain-free salmon kibble with peas, chickpeas and pea protein after salmon and salmon meal, at 33% protein and 454 kcal per cup. It is listed as discontinued, so owners of small dogs eating it may look at Six Small Breed Sustainably-Sourced Salmon, which remains listed.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Six Sustainably-Sourced Salmon Grain-Free33% protein · 15% fat · 29% starch · 412 kcal/cup · Adult
The only CORE kibble with duck and duck meal as its first two ingredients, followed by peas, chickpeas and pea protein, at 33% protein and 412 kcal per cup. It is listed as discontinued, and duck still leads Simple Limited Ingredient Duck & Oatmeal and the Wild Game kibbles.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Six Cage-Free Duck Grain-Free33% protein · 15% fat · 30% starch · 391 kcal/cup · Adult
Lamb is the only animal protein, with lamb meal, pea protein, peas and chickpeas completing the first five ingredients. It lists 33% protein and 30% estimated starch at 391 kcal per cup, and suits adults fed lamb on a grain-free, potato-free recipe.
Full review of Lamb Grain-Free33% protein · 14% fat · 33% starch · 424 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
The small breed Digestive Health kibble lists 33% protein, 14% fat and 33% estimated starch, more protein and less starch than Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice. At 424 kcal per cup and labeled for all life stages, it suits small dogs whose owners want grains with chicken.
Full review of Digestive Health Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice32% protein · 15% fat · 30% starch · 439 kcal/cup · Adult
Lamb and lamb meal lead, followed by peas, chickpeas and pea protein, with 32% protein, 7% fiber and 439 kcal per cup. It is listed as discontinued, and Lamb Grain-Free offers a similar lamb and legume base at 391 kcal per cup.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Six Free-Range Lamb Grain-Free32% protein · 12% fat · 35% starch · 375 kcal/cup · Senior
The grain-free senior kibble puts deboned turkey and chicken meal before lentils, peas and dried ground potatoes. It lists 32% protein, 12% fat and 375 kcal per cup, suiting older dogs whose owners prefer a grain-free senior option to Digestive Health Age Advantage.
Full review of Senior Grain-Free30% protein · 12% fat · 38% starch · Adult
Made for large breeds and sold for digestive health, this grain-inclusive kibble pairs deboned chicken and turkey meal with brown rice and barley. Its 30% protein and 38% estimated starch put it below CORE+ Large Breed Chicken & Turkey on protein, and no calorie figure is listed.
Full review of Digestive Health Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice30% protein · 10% fat · 40% starch · 339 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for sensitive skin and stomach, this kibble uses salmon and herring meal as its only animal proteins, with rice, barley and oatmeal. At 339 kcal per cup it has the fewest calories of any CORE kibble, with 30% protein and 10% fat, suiting adults fed fish and grains.
Full review of CORE+ Wholesome Grains Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon & Rice30% protein · 12% fat · 38% starch · 394 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
The only fish recipe among the Digestive Health kibbles, with whitefish, whitefish meal and herring meal before brown rice and oatmeal. It is labeled for all life stages and lists 30% protein and 38% estimated starch at 394 kcal per cup, suiting fish-fed dogs of any age.
Full review of Digestive Health Whitefish & Brown Rice30% protein · 12% fat · 38% starch · 395 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
Deboned chicken, turkey meal and chicken meal come before brown rice and barley in this all life stages kibble sold for digestive health. Its 30% protein, 38% estimated starch and 395 kcal per cup suit owners wanting a grain-inclusive, legume-free chicken kibble without a breed size tag.
Full review of Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice29% protein · 13% fat · 37% starch · 450 kcal/cup · Adult
The small breed Simple Limited Ingredient kibble uses salmon and salmon meal with dried ground potatoes, peas and canola oil. At 29% protein and 450 kcal per cup it has the most protein of the Simple Limited Ingredient kibbles and suits small adults fed a single fish protein.
Full review of Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Small Breed27% protein · 10% fat · 43.5% starch · Senior
The senior Digestive Health kibble puts deboned chicken and chicken meal before brown rice, barley and rice, and also contains peas or lentils. Its 27% protein sits below Senior Grain-Free at 32% and its estimated starch is 43.5%, suiting seniors whose owners want a grain-inclusive option.
Full review of Digestive Health Age Advantage Chicken Brown Rice26% protein · 8% fat · 44% starch · 394 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for healthy weight, this salmon kibble has the least fat of any CORE kibble at 8%, with potatoes and peas after salmon meal and 3340 kcal per kg. Its 44% estimated starch is high for the line, so it suits weight-focused owners comfortable with a potato-based recipe.
Full review of Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Healthy Weight26% protein · 11% fat · 42% starch · 438 kcal/cup · Adult
The only Simple Limited Ingredient kibble built on turkey, with deboned turkey and turkey meal ahead of dried ground potatoes, peas and potatoes. It lists 26% protein and 42% estimated starch at 438 kcal per cup, and suits adults kept to one poultry protein.
Full review of Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe25% protein · 12% fat · 41% starch · 446 kcal/cup · Adult
Salmon, salmon meal, potatoes, peas and dried ground potatoes make up the first five ingredients, at 25% protein, 12% fat and 41% estimated starch. At 446 kcal per cup it carries more fat and calories than the Healthy Weight salmon recipe, suiting fish-fed adults without a weight focus.
Full review of Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Recipe21% protein · 12% fat · 46% starch · 415 kcal/cup · Adult
This is the grain-inclusive lamb kibble in CORE, with lamb and lamb meal before oatmeal, ground brown rice and peas. Its 21% protein ties for the lowest among CORE kibbles and its estimated starch is 46%, suiting adults fed lamb as the only animal protein.
Full review of Simple Limited Ingredient Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe21% protein · 11% fat · 47.3% starch · 453 kcal/cup · Adult
Duck is the only animal protein, followed by oatmeal, peas, ground brown rice and potato protein. At 47.3% estimated starch it has the most starch of any CORE kibble, with 21% protein and 453 kcal per cup, and suits owners seeking a duck recipe that includes grain.
Full review of Simple Limited Ingredient Duck & Oatmeal Recipe| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Kcal / kg | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef, Venison & Lamb Grain-Free | 12% | 7% | 78% | -- | Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver |
| Digestive Health Chicken - Dog | 12% | 5% | 78% | 1,324 | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver |
| Digestive Health Beef | 12% | 5% | 78% | 1,324 | Beef, Beef Broth, Whitefish |
| Digestive Health Lamb | 12% | 6% | 78% | 1,349 | Lamb Broth, Lamb, Whitefish |
| Weight Management Grain-Free | 11% | 3% | 78% | 985 | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth |
| Paté Whitefish, Salmon & Herring Grain-Free | 11% | 7% | 78% | 1,339 | Chicken, Whitefish, Salmon Broth |
| 95% Beef & Carrots Grain-Free | 10% | 8% | 78% | 1,440 | Beef, Water Sufficient For Processing, Carrots |
| Protein Bowls Beef, Potato & Green Beans | 10% | 6% | 70% | 1,322 | Beef, Rice, Beef Liver |
| 95% Turkey & Spinach Grain-Free | 10% | 9% | 78% | -- | Turkey, Water Sufficient For Processing, Spinach |
| Protein Bowls Lamb, Red Rice & Peas | 10% | 8% | 70% | 1,519 | Lamb, Rice, Red Rice |
| 95% Chicken & Broccoli Grain-Free | 9% | 8% | 78% | 1,330 | Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Broccoli |
| Hearty Cuts Chicken & Turkey | 9% | 3.5% | 82% | 967 | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth |
| Hearty Cuts Beef & Venison | 9% | 3% | 82% | 954 | Beef, Beef Broth, Venison Broth |
| Mini Meals Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free | 8% | 3% | 82% | -- | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing |
| Mini Meals Chicken & Tuna Grain-Free | 8% | 2% | 82% | -- | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing |
| Line average | 10.2% | 5.6% | 78% | 1,259 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Wet food is mostly water, so compare it with other wet food only. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
12% protein · 7% fat · Adult
Beef, beef broth, beef liver, venison and lamb lead, and the label also lists chicken and pork among its animal proteins. It ties for the most protein among CORE wet foods at 12%, contains no peas or lentils, and has no calorie figure listed.
Full review of Beef, Venison & Lamb Grain-Free12% protein · 5% fat · 489 kcal/can · All Life Stages
Sold for digestive health and labeled for all life stages, this chicken wet food lists ground dried peas and potato protein after chicken broth and chicken liver. It ties for the most protein among CORE wet foods at 12%, shows 489 kcal per can, and suits chicken-fed dogs of any age.
Full review of Digestive Health Chicken - Dog12% protein · 5% fat · 489 kcal/can · All Life Stages
Beef, beef broth, whitefish and pork liver lead this all life stages recipe sold for digestive health, with potato protein fifth. It shares 12% protein, 5% fat and 489 kcal per can with the chicken version, and suits households wanting beef as the lead protein.
Full review of Digestive Health Beef12% protein · 6% fat · 497 kcal/can · All Life Stages
Lamb broth comes before lamb in this recipe sold for digestive health, with whitefish and pork liver next. At 6% fat and 497 kcal per can it is the richest of the Digestive Health wet foods, suiting lamb-fed dogs of any age.
Full review of Digestive Health Lamb11% protein · 3% fat · 985 kcal/kg · Adult
Sold for weight management, this wet food pairs 11% protein with 3% fat and 985 kcal per kg. Chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, pork liver and whitefish lead, so it suits owners of adults fed a mix of proteins.
Full review of Weight Management Grain-Free11% protein · 7% fat · 474 kcal/can · Adult
Despite its fish name, chicken is the first ingredient, ahead of whitefish, salmon broth, chicken liver and salmon. It lists 11% protein, 7% fat and 474 kcal per can, so it suits dogs fed both chicken and fish rather than fish alone.
Full review of Paté Whitefish, Salmon & Herring Grain-Free10% protein · 8% fat · 510 kcal/can · Adult
Beef is the only animal protein, with water, carrots, tricalcium phosphate and cassia gum after it, and no peas, lentils or potato. At 10% protein, 8% fat and 510 kcal per can, it suits dogs fed beef as a single protein.
Full review of 95% Beef & Carrots Grain-Free10% protein · 6% fat · 1,322 kcal/kg
Rice is the second ingredient in this beef bowl, with beef liver, beef bone broth and potatoes next. It has 70% moisture, 10% protein and 1322 kcal per kg, and suits owners wanting a grain-inclusive beef wet food.
Full review of Protein Bowls Beef, Potato & Green Beans10% protein · 9% fat · Adult
At 9% fat, this turkey and spinach recipe has the most fat among CORE wet foods, alongside 10% protein. Turkey is its only animal protein and it contains no peas, lentils or potato, suiting owners looking for a single-protein turkey wet food.
Full review of 95% Turkey & Spinach Grain-Free10% protein · 8% fat · 276 kcal/bowl
Lamb is the only animal protein, with rice, red rice, lamb bone broth and peas next. It has the most calories among CORE wet foods at 1519 kcal per kg, listed as 276 kcal per bowl, and suits owners wanting a grain-inclusive lamb bowl.
Full review of Protein Bowls Lamb, Red Rice & Peas9% protein · 8% fat · 1,330 kcal/kg · Adult
Chicken is the only animal protein, followed by water, broccoli and two gums, with no peas, lentils or potato. It lists 9% protein and 8% fat at 1330 kcal per kg, and suits owners wanting a single-protein chicken wet food.
Full review of 95% Chicken & Broccoli Grain-Free9% protein · 3.5% fat · 342 kcal/can · Adult
Chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, chicken liver and turkey lead this 82% moisture recipe, which also lists egg. At 9% protein, 3.5% fat and 342 kcal per can, it is the poultry counterpart to Hearty Cuts Beef & Venison and suits poultry-fed adults.
Full review of Hearty Cuts Chicken & Turkey9% protein · 3% fat · 338 kcal/can · Adult
This beef and venison recipe has the fewest calories among CORE wet foods, at 954 kcal per kg and 338 kcal per can. Beef broth, venison broth and beef liver follow the beef, and it suits adults whose owners want a red meat wet food with 3% fat.
Full review of Hearty Cuts Beef & Venison8% protein · 3% fat · Adult
Potato starch is the fourth ingredient in this Mini Meals recipe of chicken, chicken broth, water and turkey, with egg also listed. It runs 82% moisture, 8% protein and 3% fat, and suits owners of poultry-fed dogs wanting a lighter wet food.
Full review of Mini Meals Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free8% protein · 2% fat · Adult
At 2% fat, this chicken and tuna recipe has the least fat among CORE wet foods, alongside 8% protein and 82% moisture. Potato starch sits before tuna in the ingredients, and it suits owners pairing poultry and fish in a lower-fat meal or topper.
Full review of Mini Meals Chicken & Tuna Grain-Free| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Kcal / kg | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl Boosters Bare 100% Turkey Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 60% | 20% | 8% | 4,400 | Turkey |
| Bowl Boosters Bare 100% Beef Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 45% | 35% | 8% | 4,122 | Beef |
| Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Skin & Coat Health | 35% | 18% | 12% | 4,021 | Chicken Hearts (source of Biotin), Oats, Whole Eggs (source of Vitamin E) |
| Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Joint Health | 35% | 14% | 10% | 3,792 | Chicken Hearts (source of Taurine), Oats, Broccoli |
| Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Hearth Health | 35% | 12% | 12% | 3,705 | Chicken Hearts (source of Taurine), Oats, Cranberries |
| Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Digestive Health | 35% | 12% | 10% | 3,665 | Chicken Hearts, Oats, Pumpkin |
| Tender Bites Original Turkey & Chicken Recipe Air-Dried | 31% | 21% | 20% | 3,740 | Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chickpeas |
| Bowl Boosters Tender Whitefish & Salmon Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 30% | 14% | 20% | 3,272 | Whitefish, Salmon, Chickpeas |
| Tender Bites Ocean Air-Dried | 30% | 14% | 20% | 3,272 | Whitefish, Salmon, Chickpeas |
| Bowl Boosters Tender Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 15% | 12% | 30% | 2,876 | Turkey, Chicken, Chickpeas |
| Simply Shreds Chicken, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 12% | 0.5% | 90% | -- | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing |
| Simply Shreds Chicken, Chicken Liver & Broccoli Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 10% | 0.5% | 90% | -- | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing |
| Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 10% | 0.5% | 90% | -- | Tuna, Fish Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing |
| Simply Shreds Chicken, Wild Salmon & Pumpkin Dog Food Mixer or Topper | 8% | 0.5% | 90% | -- | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing |
| Bowl Boosters Hearty Toppers Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe in Savory Bone Broth | 7% | 2% | 90% | 690 | Chicken Bone Broth, Chicken, Tapioca Starch |
| Bowl Boosters Hearty Toppers Beef & Green Beans Recipe in Savory Bone Broth | 3.5% | 4.5% | 90% | 683 | Beef Bone Broth, Beef, Green Beans |
| Bowl Boosters Functional Topper Immune Health | 2% | 1.2% | 20% | 2,748 | Cranberries, Sweet Potatoes, Papaya |
| Line average | 23.7% | 10.7% | 41.8% | 3,153 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Wet food is mostly water, so compare it with other wet food only. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
60% protein · 20% fat · 4.5% starch · 202 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
Turkey is the only listed ingredient, giving the most protein among CORE toppers at 60%, with 20% fat and 4.5% estimated starch. At 4400 kcal per kg it is also the most calorie-dense topper, suiting owners adding plain turkey in small portions.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Bare 100% Turkey Dog Food Mixer or Topper45% protein · 35% fat · 0.5% starch · 219 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
Beef is the only listed ingredient, and this topper has the most fat among CORE toppers at 35% and the least estimated starch at 0.5%, with 45% protein. At 219 kcal per cup it suits owners adding plain beef who keep an eye on fat.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Bare 100% Beef Dog Food Mixer or Topper35% protein · 18% fat · 25.5% starch · 4,021 kcal/kg · All Life Stages
Sold for skin and coat, this topper leads with chicken hearts, oats, whole eggs, flaxseed and coconut flakes. At 18% fat and 4021 kcal per kg it is the richest of the chicken heart Functional Toppers, with 35% protein, suiting owners wanting an egg-inclusive mix-in.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Skin & Coat Health35% protein · 14% fat · 33% starch · 3,792 kcal/kg · Adult
Sold for joint health and labeled for adults only, this chicken heart and oat topper adds broccoli, sweet potatoes and flaxseed. It lists 35% protein, 14% fat and 33% estimated starch at 3792 kcal per kg, suiting owners of adult dogs wanting a vegetable-heavy topper.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Joint Health35% protein · 12% fat · 32% starch · 3,705 kcal/kg · All Life Stages
Chicken hearts and oats come before cranberries, blueberries and flaxseed in this functional topper, listed as Hearth Health on the label. It has 35% protein, 12% fat and 32% estimated starch, and unlike the Joint Health and Skin & Coat toppers it contains no potato.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Hearth Health35% protein · 12% fat · 34% starch · 3,665 kcal/kg · All Life Stages
Sold for digestive health, this topper pairs chicken hearts and oats with pumpkin, carrots and apples. At 35% protein and 34% estimated starch it has the most starch of the chicken heart Functional Toppers, and suits owners wanting a potato-free mix-in.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Digestive Health31% protein · 21% fat · 19% starch · 411 kcal/cup · Adult
Deboned turkey and deboned chicken lead this air-dried adult topper, followed by chickpeas, peas and gelatin. At 31% protein, 21% fat and 19% estimated starch, it has more fat and less starch than the other Tender Bites and Bowl Boosters Tender toppers, suiting active poultry-fed adults.
Full review of Tender Bites Original Turkey & Chicken Recipe Air-Dried30% protein · 14% fat · 27% starch · 360 kcal/cup · All Life Stages
Whitefish and salmon lead, followed by chickpeas, tapioca and gelatin, at 30% protein, 14% fat and 27% estimated starch. Its figures match Tender Bites Ocean Air-Dried, but this listing is labeled for all life stages, suiting households with puppies as well as adults.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Tender Whitefish & Salmon Dog Food Mixer or Topper30% protein · 14% fat · 27% starch · 360 kcal/cup · Adult
This air-dried fish topper shares its whitefish, salmon and chickpea base and its 360 kcal per cup with Bowl Boosters Tender Whitefish & Salmon. It is labeled for adult dogs only and suits owners wanting an air-dried fish topper at 30% protein.
Full review of Tender Bites Ocean Air-Dried15% protein · 12% fat · 34% starch · 2,876 kcal/kg · All Life Stages
Turkey and chicken lead, then chickpeas, ground potatoes and vegetable glycerin, at 30% moisture. It has 15% protein and 34% estimated starch, with more moisture and less protein than Tender Bites Original Turkey & Chicken, suiting owners wanting a softer-textured poultry mixer.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Tender Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dog Food Mixer or Topper12% protein · 0.5% fat · 47 kcal/pouch · All Life Stages
Chicken and chicken broth lead, with beef and carrots after water, and its 12% protein is the highest of the Simply Shreds toppers. At 47 kcal per pouch and 0.5% fat, it suits owners who want chicken and beef together in a mixer.
Full review of Simply Shreds Chicken, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or Topper10% protein · 0.5% fat · 40 kcal/pouch · All Life Stages
This Simply Shreds topper uses chicken and chicken liver as its only animal protein, with broccoli, at 10% protein and 0.5% fat. At 40 kcal per pouch it is the lightest Simply Shreds pouch and suits owners keeping toppers to chicken.
Full review of Simply Shreds Chicken, Chicken Liver & Broccoli Dog Food Mixer or Topper10% protein · 0.5% fat · 48 kcal/pouch · All Life Stages
Tuna and fish broth lead, with beef and carrots after water, making this the Simply Shreds recipe that starts with fish rather than chicken. It lists 10% protein and 48 kcal per pouch, the most of the Simply Shreds pouches, and suits chicken-free households.
Full review of Simply Shreds Tuna, Beef & Carrots Dog Food Mixer or Topper8% protein · 0.5% fat · 42 kcal/pouch · All Life Stages
Chicken, chicken broth and water come before salmon and pumpkin in this shredded topper, at 8% protein, 0.5% fat and 42 kcal per pouch. It is the Simply Shreds recipe that pairs chicken with fish, suiting dogs fed both.
Full review of Simply Shreds Chicken, Wild Salmon & Pumpkin Dog Food Mixer or Topper7% protein · 2% fat · 690 kcal/kg · All Life Stages
Chicken bone broth and chicken come before tapioca starch, pumpkin and green beans in this 90% moisture topper. It has 7% protein and 2% fat at 690 kcal per kg, making it the chicken counterpart to the beef Hearty Toppers recipe for poultry-fed dogs.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Hearty Toppers Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe in Savory Bone Broth3.5% protein · 4.5% fat · 106 kcal/bowl · All Life Stages
Beef bone broth leads, then beef, green beans, sweet potatoes and tapioca starch, at 90% moisture. With 683 kcal per kg and 106 kcal per bowl, it has the fewest calories among CORE toppers by weight and suits owners adding a broth-based beef topping.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Hearty Toppers Beef & Green Beans Recipe in Savory Bone Broth2% protein · 1.2% fat · 66.8% starch · 2,748 kcal/kg · All Life Stages
The only CORE topper with no animal protein, led by cranberries, sweet potatoes, papaya, blueberries and puffed brown rice. Sold for immune health, it has the least protein at 2% and the most estimated starch at 66.8%, suiting owners wanting a fruit and vegetable mix-in.
Full review of Bowl Boosters Functional Topper Immune HealthNot entirely. 25 of the 44 kibbles and 13 of the 15 wet foods are grain free, while recipes such as Wholesome Grains Original, Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice and Protein Bowls Lamb, Red Rice & Peas contain grain.
Small Breed Puppy Grain-Free and RawRev Wholesome Grains Puppy Food Formula + 100% Raw Turkey both list 38% protein, the top of the kibble range. Small Breed Puppy Grain-Free also has the most fat and calories of the kibbles, at 18% and 510 kcal per cup.
Many recipes do: 28 of 44 kibbles, 8 of 15 wet foods and 6 of 17 toppers contain peas or lentils. Kibbles without them include Wholesome Grains Original, Core+ Beef & Barley and Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice.
Protein runs higher than the average kibble we review (36.3% vs 30.1% on a dry matter basis).
Starch is lower than average, at 32% of the food as fed.
99% of recipes lead with a meat, fish or egg ingredient (89% across the site).
66% of recipes are grain-free.
this range, lowest to highest its average average of all 3,205 foods we review
Starch is our estimate from the guaranteed analysis, since no manufacturer prints it. How we work it out
Share of recipes that list each animal protein as an ingredient, not counting oils, fats or flavorings. Useful if your dog has a food sensitivity.
These are not unsafe. They are listed because readers ask about them.
MOST PROTEIN
Wellness Core RawRev Wholesome Grains Puppy Food Formula + 100% Raw Turkey Dry Dog Food
42.2% dry matter
LEAST STARCH
Wellness Core Small Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
24% as fed
FEWEST CALORIES
Wellness CORE+ Wholesome Grains Sensitive Skin Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food
339 kcal per cup
Beef Topper for Dogs
Wellness Complete Health Super5Mix Large Breed Puppy dry dog food (made by Diamond)
We keep reviews of discontinued recipes online, each with suggested replacements, because bags stay on shelves and in pantries for months.
Ten everyday foods. Safe, In Moderation or Never. No googling, no second guesses. Then share your score with your friends, however embarrassing it turns out to be.
115 foods in the deck. Grapes are in there. So is cheese.
Ten foods, one at a time. Call each one Safe, In Moderation or Never, then flip the card to see if you had it right. The ones you miss are listed at the end.
Keys: 1 Safe 2 Moderation 3 Never Enter Next
Copied. Paste it anywhere your friends will see it.
Want the reason behind every answer? The 80-page e-book, $7.99
Now, is your dog's food any good?
Look it up: estimated starch, calories per cup and every ingredient, for 3,207 foods.
